Guide on the North American Energy Labeling programs

North American Energy Labeling Programs for Minibars

Why Energy Labels Matter in Hospitality Procurement

In the United States, energy labeling is not just a helpful tool. It is a legal requirement for compressor-based minibars sold into the residential market, and a critical compliance checkpoint for hospitality buyers. U.S. hotel operators, procurement managers, and facility engineers rely on these labels to ensure that minibar models meet federal energy efficiency standards and are certified for sale under U.S. law.

Labels like ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide are backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Trade Commission. They provide verified data that helps hospitality professionals make informed purchasing decisions, avoid non-compliant products, and support long-term cost control strategies. For properties operating under brand standards or ESG commitments, these labels also serve as proof of responsible sourcing.

Energy performance also plays a growing role in brand perception. Guests and stakeholders increasingly expect properties to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Choosing minibars with verified energy labels is one way to meet those expectations while maintaining operational efficiency.

Which Cooling Technologies Are Regulated

North American efficiency regulations typically define a "refrigerator" as an appliance that incorporates both a compressor and a condenser as integral parts of the cabinet. This means non-compressor models (including absorption and thermoelectric units) do not fall within the regulatory scope for “refrigerators” under these standards.

The Three North American Energy Labeling Programs

ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide are the two primary labeling programs that apply to compressor-based minibars in the U.S. EnerGuide is Canada’s equivalent to EnergyGuide and applies only to the Canadian market.

EnergyGuide is a mandatory U.S. government label that estimates the annual energy use and operating cost of an appliance. It is managed by the Federal Trade Commission and must be displayed on all compressor-based minibars sold in the U.S.

EnerGuide is Canada’s equivalent to EnergyGuide. It is also mandatory and provides similar information, helping Canadian buyers compare products based on energy use and cost.

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It identifies products that meet strict energy efficiency criteria and are verified by third-party laboratories.

ENERGY STAR: Voluntary, Verified, Recognized

ENERGY STAR is one of the most recognized energy labels in the world. For a minibar to earn the ENERGY STAR mark, it must be at least 20 percent more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard. Products that qualify are tested in EPA-recognized laboratories and verified through random market checks.

As of 2025, ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 is in effect for residential refrigerators and freezers. This version includes updated test procedures aligned with the U.S. Department of Energy’s 10 CFR Part 430 standards and tighter efficiency thresholds. These updates ensure that only the most efficient products qualify.

The ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation goes a step further. It highlights the top-performing models in each category. For 2025, qualifying refrigerators must exceed federal minimum efficiency standards by at least 30 percent and include features such as automatic defrost, high-efficiency compressors, and adjustable temperature controls. You can view the current list of qualifying models on the https://www.energystar.gov/products/most_efficient/refrigerators.

For hospitality buyers, this label is a shortcut to identifying the most efficient options without having to analyze every technical detail. It also signals to guests and stakeholders that your property is committed to responsible purchasing.

EnergyGuide and EnerGuide: Mandatory and Informative

While ENERGY STAR highlights the best performers, EnergyGuide and EnerGuide provide the raw data. These labels show the estimated annual energy use in kilowatt-hours and the projected operating cost based on national electricity rates.

This information allows buyers to compare models directly and understand the long-term cost implications of their choices. The labels also include a scale showing where the product ranks compared to similar models, making it easier to spot outliers.

If a minibar does not have one of these labels, that is a red flag. It may not be certified for sale in North America or may not meet minimum efficiency standards.


How to Verify Energy Performance Before You Buy

Verifying energy performance is simple if you know where to look. The ENERGY STAR Product Finder is a searchable database that lists all certified models, including their energy use, efficiency rating, and whether they qualify as Most Efficient. You can access it https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-residential-refrigerators/.

For U.S. compliance, the Department of Energy’s https://www.regulations.doe.gov/certification-data/ provides certification data for all models sold in the market. You can search by brand, model number, or product category.

In Canada, Natural Resources Canada maintains a similar database which you can find at https://spl-lpi.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/en-US/product.

Always check that the model you are considering appears in these databases. If it does not, ask the manufacturer for clarification.


Why Verified Labels Build Trust

Energy labels are only useful if the data behind them is accurate. That is why third-party testing and government oversight matter. ENERGY STAR, EnergyGuide, and EnerGuide all require that products be tested in accredited laboratories. In many cases, random market testing is also conducted to ensure compliance.

This level of verification helps buyers avoid greenwashing and marketing claims that cannot be substantiated. It also supports internal procurement policies that require documented proof of performance.

For hospitality professionals, this means fewer assumptions and more confidence. When you can compare verified data side by side, you are better equipped to make decisions that align with your budget, your brand values, and your long-term strategy.


Dometic’s Commitment to Verified Performance

At Dometic, we believe transparency is not optional. All of our ENERGY STAR certified minibars are tested in accredited laboratories and listed in the official ENERGY STAR and DOE databases. Several of our models also carry the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation, which reflects our commitment to performance, sustainability, and long-term value.

We do not rely on self-declared data or hidden performance claims. Our customers can verify every number, every label, and every certification. That is how we build trust—and why so many hospitality professionals choose Dometic.


Conclusion: Choose Minibars That Prove Their Performance

Energy labeling is more than a regulatory formality. It is a tool for making smarter, more confident purchasing decisions. By understanding how ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide support compliance and cost control, hotel procurement teams can choose minibar models that deliver verified performance and long-term value.

Dometic supports this process with certified products, transparent documentation, and a long-standing commitment to quality. When performance is proven, trust follows.

We do not rely on self-declared data or hidden performance claims. Our customers can verify every number, every label, and every certification. That is how we build trust—and why so many hospitality professionals choose Dometic.

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